I have an iPhone 5 and I have not had the same performance as Stringy has had on the Galaxy. For me, I have found that running any GPS enabled app. on my iPhone is a big drain on the battery and if you are in an area with sketchy cell signal, you will have an even bigger drain on your battery as the phone function is constantly searching for signal.

I use both MapMyRide and Navionics. MapMyRide is a fun tool for sharing with your friends and tracking your speed and course but Navionics has much more information relevant to navigation which include depth and tides.

Depending on my location, I have found that I get about 7-8 hours on my iPhone before the low battery warning comes on. If one were to run into trouble, this would likely be a critical issue as you would have a dead phone and dead navigation system in a, relatively, short span of time. That is why I also carry a 2-way VHF radio and a GPS chartplotter. I consider these my safety items and the smartphone as a fun toy to have on board.

One of the reasons I chose the Galaxy over the iPhone was that it had a separate battery that was easily removed.I carry 3 spare batteries so power isn't usually an issue on trips (unless I forget the batteries!) I generally get at least 2 days track logging on one battery with the Galaxy. That is with the screen off and shut down at the destination.Navionics is much more than a toy. I find it an extremely useful tool . The map detail is amazing. I have the HD Tablet app as well and it is even more detailed. Both apps are incredible value for money. To get the same detail on e-charts would cost hundreds.As far as safety goes you can't beat a good old paper map/chart and I always carry one on trips as a failsafe backup.

How do you all deal with keeping you phone dry out there? Seems like if you wrap it up, it would make it unusable.

Zenyak, Touchscreens are still functional inside your typical dry-bag for phones and you can still talk on the phone.

I know there's plenty of good waterproof cases on the market now. I've been using a Lifeproof case on my iPhone for about 1 1/2 years and I love it. It's not too bulky and my phone is protected when on the water. Off the water, I don't have to worry about getting my phone wet when I get caught in the "occasional" rain shower here in Florida.

Here is the link to Lifeproof's case for the Galaxy: [url]www.lifeproof.com/shop/us_en/galaxy-cases/url]

_________________Mike

Last edited by Wndrfl on Mon Mar 10, 2014 3:40 am, edited 1 time in total.

How do you all deal with keeping you phone dry out there? Seems like if you wrap it up, it would make it unusable.

Zenyak, Touchscreens are still functional inside your typical dry-bag for phones and you can still talk on the phone.

I know there's plenty of good waterproof cases on the market now. I've been using a Lifeproof case on my iPhone for about 1 1/2 years and I love it. It's not too bulky and my phone is protected when on the water. Off the water, I don't have to worry about getting my phone wet when I get caught in the "occasional" rain shower here in Florida.

Here is the link to Lifeproof's case for the Galaxy: [url]http://www.lifeproof.com/shop/us_en/galaxy-cases/url]

Navionics is an excellent app.I have been using it for over a year.We used it during our crossing of the gulf - http://www.hobiecat.com.au/bb/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=589We did 31 NM in 7.5 hours with arrival at way points radioed to our Coast Guard.I have an external battery as you are all correct in that the GPS drains the battery.I carry the iPhone in the case below.Navionics is available for Android and I'm sure you can get sutiable w/proof cases.

I do not own and do not care to own a smart phone. I do have a cell phone, and use it as a phone.

For the cost of an app, a case, extra batteries or a solar charger, you could simply buy a used handheld GPS. I just got an obsolete Garmin GPSMap 76S intended for marine use (it even floats!) for a whopping $65. Tracks routes, saves waypoints, has a compass, gives me speeds down to 0.1 mph and runs on AA batteries. Who could ask for more?

I have...or should I say had...a Samsung Galaxy S3. I now have a Galaxy S4 mini. I had the Lifeproof case for my S3 and loved it....for awhile. It worked great but when I took it out sailing on my TI, I thought I had the charging port closed properly...but I did not. Salt water did its thing and now the S4. Anyway, I have found the Navionics software very good. I sail/fish the Tampa Bay area and use Navionics Marine East app. I bought it several years ago...at which time I think I paid $19.99. I also used this out racing on big sailboats and out power boating. I tend to use my phone gps more than any other device. About Lifeproof...I don't trust them now. I have resorted to putting my phone in a cell phone dry bag.

I have to retract my comment touting Navionics Marine East software for mobile devices. Lately, I have been having some real issues with it. It just won't boot up when and gives me a "Navionics has stopped working" message. I have tried everything from deleting and reinstalling the app. It just won't work. I tried calling Navionics and sending them a message...to no avail.

Anyone else out there have any recommendations for a marine gps mapping app for mobile devices?